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Top 11 Changes in Apple’s iOS 11

Take a look at some of the new features coming to your iPhone and iPad later this year.

iOS 11 is coming to the public in September, and after using the Beta versions for the past few weeks, I figured I would compile some some of my favorite features of the new update.

11. New App Store

The App Store sports a fresh new look for iOS 11 with separate tabs along the bottom for games, apps, updates, search and a new “Today” screen which features things like the “App of the Day.”

10. One-Handed Keyboard

Those with a big phone and not so big hands will now be able to type single-handedly thanks to this new feature. By holding on the emoji button, you will be able to scoot the keyboard to the right or left side to tap those hard to reach keys.

9. New Dock for iPad

The iPad gets a new Mac-inspired dock for iOS 11 which is available from any screen. Just swipe up to get a spread of intelligently suggested apps tailored to what you’re doing.

8. Lockscreen/Notification Center Merger

The notification center has merged with the lock screen. Swipe down from the top of the screen in any app to be greeted with the day’s notifications along with the time and date.

7. Do Not Disturb While Driving

In an effort to curb distracted driving, iOS 11 has a new feature which silences notifications while driving. Of course there is a way to to tell the phone you’re a passenger, but hopefully the few extra steps will keep people focused more on the road and less on Snapchat.

6. Maps

Speaking of driving, ever since Apple Maps debuted in 2012, Apple has been working to put it’s navigation system on top. With iOS 11, they might have accomplished their goal. The updated Maps app displays the posted speed limit, has lane guidance to avoid confusion on the highway and even has indoor maps for select malls and airports.

5. Send Money via Apple Pay in iMessage

Person-to-person money transferring apps like Venmo may go the way of the Dodo after iOS 11 goes live. The update allows users to send money via Apple Pay directly from iMessage.

4. Siri

Siri gets new look, a more natural voice and some new features in iOS 11. With her new gig in the upcoming HomePod, Siri becomes a lot smarter when it comes to music, responding to requests to play “something I like,” as well as gaining the ability to answer music trivia questions such as naming the lead singer of a band.

3. Camera

A portrait photo of yours truly taken with an iPhone 7 Plus running iOS 11

The camera in iOS 11 also gets some upgrades including an upgraded portrait mode which features more natural skin tones and professional grade filters to add a little extra zing.

2. Photos

Instagram’s famed Boomerang is also in danger with the new update as Live Photos can be changed to Loop or Bounce depending on the desired effect. Photos are also saved with a new type of compression technology which allows photos of the same quality to take up less space on the device.

1. Control Center

The most useful feature in iOS 11 is the new control center which is finally customizable. Easy access to common switches such as Low Power Mode and Cellular Data answers one of the biggest complaints many people had about previous iterations of iOS. Tricks like native screen recording and an adjustable flashlight only make the change even sweeter.